Learner driver planned to pick up child without proper licence, insurance or supervisor

Kirsty Warrener was not displaying L-plates and was not supervised or insured.

Published:06:00Monday 04 April 2016

A learner driver who gave false details to police revealed in court that she was on the road planning to pick up a friend’s daughter for a contact visit.

Provisional licence holder Kirsty Warrener, 29, who represented herself at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court, said she had intended to take the child for a day out in the car.

Warrener had passed only a theory test and was uninsured and unsupervised. Her car did not display L-plates.

Prosecutor Glenda Beck said police stopped the car on Front Road, Sunderland, on January 10 and the driver said she was Claire Fairley.

Ms Beck said: “A few days later police were contacted by a female, who identified herself as Kirsty Warrener. She informed the officer that she had been the driver of the Clio at the time and had given false details.”

Warrener, of Poplar Avenue, Houghton, admitted obstructing a police officer, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and without insurance.

Warrener said her grandad bought the car and made her promise she would not drive until she passed her test. She said she had been on her way to collect the child.

“I had arranged to pick them up to help supervise and take his daughter for a day out in the car.

“I knew it was wrong and I honestly felt guilty.”

District Judge Sarah-Jane Griffiths said: “It is particularly concerning that you had passengers in that motor vehicle and you were intending to take a young child out in it. It was an incredibly stupid thing to do.

“I’m sure you’ve endured the wrath of your grandfather, having the car he paid for disposed of by police.”

She was fined £200 with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge and six points.